Just outside of the capital of Arizona Phoenix sits the sun-kissed Scottsdale, right on the southwestern edge of Tonga National Park. The desert city is famous for its Old Town, but it’s mostly a place where you come to unwind to the hilt. Think high-end boutiques, sprawling golf courses, luxurious resorts, and more. Not surprisingly, the pool scene here is amongst the best in the region. In fact, Scottsdale enjoys swimming weather well into October, which is a blessing. Obviously, swimming pools are taken seriously here, as is evidenced by the profusion of best pool hotels in Scottsdale. The pools range from simple, freeform ones to sprawling aquatic playgrounds with slides, lazy rivers, and what-not.
With the city receiving almost 300 days of sunshine, these oases certainly make the days in Scottsdale more tolerable. In fact, even in winters, you’ll see lots of fellow travelers lounging in heated pools. So, whether you’re traveling solo, with your significant other, or even with children, the pools in this charming desert town will please everyone. To that end, here are the best pool hotels in Scottsdale.
Where to Stay in Scottsdale
Besides its pools, Scottsdale is a very interesting city with a long history. In fact, one of the Top 25 things To Do In Arizona is right in Scottsdale, the Taliesin West. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is now a School of Architecture, was once the home of architect Frank Llyod Wright. Apart from this, one of the most interesting parts of town is Old Town. The heart and soul of Scottsdale, it’s home to some of its best landmarks and attractions. You’ll also find some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, and activities right here. Next up is Downtown, which is the liveliest part of town. It sits straddling the Arizona Canal and brims with trendy restaurants and cafes, malls, boutique shops, and what-not.
Roosevelt Row, or Ro-Ro, is the cool kid in town. If you like art galleries, craft beer, and relaxing on patios, then this is the place for you. In the east sits the posh Arcadia, which is a part of both Scottsdale and Phoenix. It’s one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the region, complete with leafy boulevards, canyons, and hills. And finally, the sprawling neighborhood of South Scottsdale has a host of entertainment options, right from zoos and parks to shops and restaurants.
W Scottsdale
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The W Scottsdale is like a riot of color in the heart of the Sonoran Desert and is all about chilling, whenever and wherever you want. If you’re looking for hedonistic levels of poolside fun, then it’s one of the best pool hotels in Scottsdale. The rooftop poolside at the adult-friendly W is aptly named the WET Pool Deck. It’s a playground of vibrant bikinis and DJs spinning groovy dance music all day, and all night, long. If it miraculously quiets down any time, you can lounge on the daybeds and sip on well-crafted cocktails from the pool and outdoor bar. In fact, the bar sits right above the hotel’s entry, and glass skylights give everyone a fantastic preview of the fun going on upstairs. All-in-all, the atmosphere is one of lively socializing rather than lying quietly on your daybed or cabana.
The rest of the hotel is typically W – a sexy scene, funky interiors, jewel hues, and the latest technology in the rooms. Besides the pool, the hotel even has a 4,000-square-feet-huge Bliss spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a bevy of upscale restaurants. Rooms are equally decadent with swish interiors and lavish bathrooms. Located right in the heart of town, W Scottsdale is your destination for a gala time.
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Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa
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You’ll have truly never seen anything like the pool, or rather “pools” at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa. With the recent multi-million dollar facelift, Hyatt’s pools stretch out to as far as your eye can see. The pool area actually comprises an incredible 10 swimming pools, 45 waterfalls, and 20 fountains. If that wasn’t enough, there’s an enthralling three-story waterslide zipping you down at 25 miles an hour! A centrally-located shaded bar is a perfect place to stack up on food or rack up on the drinks tab.
If you want to earn bonus points with your kids and enjoy some “me” time while they’re having fun, then this is where you come. The tiny tots will love the sandy beach as well as the shallow area with giant floaties for them to enjoy. While they’re busy, you can lounge at the serene adult pool or enjoy a tranquil gondola ride on the hotel’s private lagoon! The best part? The pools are open only to hotel guests!
Sitting on 27 acres of the beautiful lush landscape north of Scottsdale, it’s easy to mistake it for an ocean-side resort rather than a desert oasis. An impressive two-story lobby opens to stunning outdoor places with fire pits and patios perfect for cooler evenings. While your children are busy at Camp Hyatt, you can head to the Spa Avania. Rooms are equally impressive, and the larger rooms have patios and balconies or patios.
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The Phoenician
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The grande dame of Scottsdale resorts, the Phoenician, is also one of the best pool hotels in Scottsdale. After a grand-scale renovation, the resort has as many as nine pools, all of which are open only to hotel guests. They pop brilliantly against the neutral color scheme of the contemporary resort. Two of them are gorgeously designed as a piano, and one even has a 165-feet-long water slide. The showstopper is the oval gem that’s inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pool tiles, which glisten radiantly in the desert sun. The Camelback Mountain in the background makes for unbeatable views.
If you’re traveling with kids, then they’ll love the children’s water area with spray guns, a huge pirate ship, treehouse, a suspension bridge, and, of course, the twisting water slide. If you’re looking for the ultimate in indulgence, then simply rent the canary-yellow cabana. You’ll be hooked up with fresh fruit, fans, and even computers right beside the pool.
The Phoenician takes the idea of full-service to the next level, complete with a spa, a round-the-clock gym, a slew of dining facilities, as well as a golf course. It even offers guided audio tours its $25 million art collection and its huge cactus gardens. Apart from all this, it has a daily roster of events, bikes for rent, and daily complimentary cheese and wine tastings. The spacious rooms, all with balconies and grand Roman-bath style bathrooms, will make you feel like royalty.
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Westin Kierland
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Calling The Westin‘s pool area a “pool” is a bit of an understatement. Rather, it’s a gigantic water park perfect for couples, friends, and the whole family. If you have kids, then the younger ones will go crazy floating down the 900-foot winding lazy river. The tweens and teens will be enthralled by the 100-feet waterslide. All these lie in the Adventure Pool area for children. If your kids are not one for lounging around, then they’ll definitely love the exciting FlowRider, an enthralling simulated area for wakeboarding, snowboarding, surfing, and more. You have your own serene adults-only pool, Aguamiel, with two hot tubs and lanes for swimming.
Even though it lies in north Scottsdale, the resort feels more central than any other resort in the area. So, some great restaurants, golf courses, malls, and stores are right in the vicinity. The resort, like any other, has a slew of other amenities including outdoor courts, a fitness center, etc. Rooms feature the signature “Heavenly” beds, equally heavenly bathrooms, and private balconies and terraces.
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Sanctuary on Camelback
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If you and your significant other are looking for an intimate poolside getaway, then the Sanctuary on Camelback is one of the best pool hotels in Scottsdale. Whether it’s an intimate ambiance or a spectacular pool, it’s hard to beat this luxurious perch lying on the side of Camelback Mountain. The swimming pool area is the highlight of the resort, channeling the same modern, intimate aesthetic as the hotel. The sight is one to behold – a stunning, turquoise-shaded infinity-edge pool, with the russet-hued peaks of the Camelback mountain rising dramatically in the background. Not only does it have a palm-tree fringed deck, but also a bevy of sunbeds with parasols that are primed for relaxing and sunning. The cherry on top is sipping on cocktails from the poolside Jade Bar, and there’s a good chance you’ll never want to leave. The best part is that Friday-Sunday, the pool is adults-only!
The rest of the resort is pretty much the same – a fabulous spa offering a range of treatments, a health club, outdoor tennis courts, etc. Take romance to the next level with an in-room massage after a swim in the pool. Curl up with your partner in one of the plush rooms with pillowtop beds, bathrooms with deep-soaking tubs for two, and sweeping views from the windows.
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Hotel Valley Ho
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Trust the Hotel Valley Ho to amp up the resort pool experience. It has not one, but two pools offering two different experiences depending on what you’re in the mood for. The OHasis Pool is for the leisure lads who want to relax listening to the dulcet sounds of the water features. It lives up to its name and is a waterside sanctuary for kicking back and unwinding.
On the other hand, the OH Pool is lively, hipster central. It has everything from cabanas and a pool bar to live entertainment, DJs, and two hot tubs. It’s where the party’s at, and the vibrant retro furniture and a kitschy mural backdrop only add to the vibe. Make sure to keep your camera ready – this one is for Instagram. No matter which pool you’re at, we’d highly recommend getting the lip-smacking Showstopper Milkshake from Cafe Zuzu! Between March and October, you can visit the pools even if you don’t stay here.
In addition to the pool, the hotel has everything else also going for it. It boasts a killer location at one end of Old Town, which puts it close enough to all the action. It has a laundry list of amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center and the decadent VH spa and salon. Rooms pay homage to the 1950s, complete with 21st-century mod-cons, huge bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
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Hyatt Andaz Scottsdale
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The iconic peak of scarlet sandstone and granite, the Hyatt Andaz Scottsdale stands out on the slopes of the Camelback Mountain. The modern urban oasis is perhaps best known for its lovely pool area and is one of the best pool hotels in Scottsdale. What’s more, the resort has thoughtfully divided pool areas – the Palo Verde Pool and the Turquoise Pool. The central and main Turquoise pool is where all the fun and action is. It’s also very popular as the early birds are offered complimentary frozen alcoholic drinks every day at 11:45 a.m. Now that is something that you’d want to wake up early for! On the other hand, if you’ve come from a serene spa session, then the quieter Palo Verde Pool will appeal more to your sensibilities.
If you want your own space by the pool, book the extremely popular five poolside rooms that have their own cabanas. No matter where you are, you can get your signature cocktails from the poolside Turquoise Bar. Furthermore, it also serves a bunch of treats like free tequila-mango snow cones! Finally, the pools are usually reserved only for those staying here.
On the inside, the hotel sports a fabulous Miami-meets-Santa Fe decor. The Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary is the perfect place to unwind, while the fitness center is ideal for a spot of workout. However, what sets the resort apart is its focus on local talent, right from art and spa treatments to live music and even the menus at the restaurant. Rooms, which are actually sleek casitas, feature magnificent bathrooms and in-room amenities. What’s more, roll into town easily board the trolley service, which stops right outside the hotel. You can even board the resort’s Tesla, which will drop you anywhere within five miles.
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Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
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Whether you’re on a romantic sojourn or holidaying with your children, the pool at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a delight for everyone. “The Princess,” as it’s known as, has six pools. Sunset beach is the newest addition to the property, and features a whopping 9,000-square-feet of white sand! It sits on the newer side of the property and even has a giant splash pad to keep your kids occupied. the poolside dining option only adds to its charm. Sonoran Splash lies on the other side of the resort. Here, you’ll find parallel water slides for children’s fun and a bar delivering cocktails right to your daybed. The pool bar might be named “Princess,” but it’s surely only for grown-ups!
The pool area is just one, albeit an absolutely amazing part of this luxurious 65-acre-huge mega-resort sitting on a lush landscape in the heart of Scottsdale. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, with the stately columns, wrought-iron railings, and Spanish Colonial-inspired structures. There are also four boutiques, a spa, and wellness center, and even golf carts to shuttle you around. Four restaurants, including a fabulously sleek patio bar, satiate all and any food and drink cravings you might have. The highlight of all the modern rooms and suites is the balconies and patios with chairs and tables that overlook the vast, green grounds.
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Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
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The Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is one of the best pool hotels in Scottsdale, especially when it comes to the look. For one, it has three pools, of which two are adults-only. The most glamorous of them all is the Moroccan-inspired spa rooftop pool, which is only for spa guests. There’s lots of room for everyone to stretch out, thanks to two out of three pols staying open until midnight, which is a rarity. Both the adults-only Oasis Pool and the vibrant Kasbah Pool have hot tubs and sundecks. Additionally, they’re peppered with beautiful fountains and inviting cabanas. Lounge on them contentedly as you order drinks from the flashy poolside bar, which even serves gelato. On hot, sunny days, it’s quite a welcome. If you want your poolside experience to stretch beyond regular times, book one of the poolside rooms or suites.
Set right at the base of the Camelback Mountain in the Paradise Valley, the setting of the resort is right out of a fairytale. The place is innately Andalusian in character, right from bricked patios to trellised walkways and arched porticos. Service here is impeccable, as are the amenities that range from the decadent Joya Spa to the four restaurants serving world cuisine. Rooms are all spacious, decked out with high-tech amenities, and have superb views. While some face the idyllic pools and green landscape, others come with dreamy desert vistas.
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JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
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Set amidst 125 lovely acres in the high desert is the place where time stands still – the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. The resort might have been founded way back in 1936, but its charm and pull remain the same even today. One of the biggest crowd-pullers at this resort is its wonderful freeform swimming pool. Its highlight is the phenomenal views it has of the Camelback Mountains. The resort has wonderfully divided the pool area into three sections. This is the main section, the one for kids, and a separate one for adults. If you’re traveling with children, then the resort even provides them with pool floats to enjoy in the shallower waters. When the kids are busy playing, retreat the to the serene sanctuary that is the adults’ pool. Enjoy some quiet time and sip on cocktails from the poolside bar.
There’s something about a JW Marriott Hotel that you just know how amazing the experience is going to be, and it’s no exception here. In spite of modern decor, it incorporates design elements of the Old West with motifs, native art, and more. The spa here is one of the first destination resort spas in the entire Southwest. A whopping seven spots to drink and dine on the property mean that you can try a different restaurant for every meal. All the casita-style rooms are stylish, and all of them have terraces and balconies.
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Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
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The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is nothing less than a “wonderful desert surprise” and is nestled in the foothills of the Pinnacle Peak. It sits above downtown Scottsdale and happens to be one of the best pool hotels in Scottsdale. There’s so much to like about the pools that you might just spend an entire day simply exploring the gorgeous bi-level pool area. Children and families have their own pools to enjoy and frolic, while adults have their own space to relax and unwind on the cabanas in tranquility. Service at the pool is unfailingly attentive, whether it’s getting you drinks or cleaning your sunglasses spotty from the saltwater. If you don’t mind splurging, we suggest that you rent your own cabana which includes icy buckets of bottled water and fresh fruit plates.
Rooms at the resort mirror the desert landscape. They’re designed as southwestern casitas with high-tech amenities, plush beds, and sunset views. Their standout quality is definitely that their colors mirror the hues of the when the Sonoran Desert in bloom. Think hues like oranges, pinks, purples, and more. Plus, the hotel has a gamut of amenities, which include some of the best restaurants in the region. You can head to the golf course or tennis court or bliss out in the spa. Rounding up the amazing amenities are the high-tech fitness center and the round-the-clock room service.
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Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Scottsdale:
- Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: Visit the beautiful wineries in the region and enjoy tasting wines and hors d’oeuvres.
- Hush Public House: This restaurant became an instant hit when it first launched. Must-eats include Sonoran Pasta, Giardiniera, and Italian Beef. a
Recommended Activities In Scottsdale:
- Grand Canyon and Sedona Day Adventure: Explore the magnificent Grand Canyon on this day tour from Scottsdale.
- Phoenix & Scottsdale City Highlights Tour: Discover the best landmarks and sights of Phoenix and Scottsdale on this half-day tour.
